Overview
- National Geographic’s March 18 list by Julia Cuesta del Hoyo features six sites worldwide, placing Huacachina alongside Siwa (Egypt), Ubari (Libya), Yueyaquan (China), Wadi Bani Khalid (Oman) and Chebika (Tunisia).
- Huacachina is described as the only natural oasis in South America, noted for emerald waters and enduring local lore about medicinal properties and a siren.
- Promperú said the distinction reinforces Peru’s positioning for nature and adventure tourism, while Ica’s municipal tourism leadership hailed the nod as a point of local pride.
- Tourism entrepreneurs in Ica, including Óscar Neyra, project a 20–30% rise in visitor numbers following the international spotlight.
- The oasis and surrounding subtropical desert are designated as a Regional Conservation Area, linking anticipated visitor growth to ongoing ecological stewardship.